HOUSTON -- Although Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is recovering from back surgery, he is still helping out the Houston community.

On New Year's Eve, three pedestrians, including 8-year-old Noah Fulmer, were hospitalized after being hit by a car. Someone tweeted at Watt that Noah was crying because the EMTs had to cut his No. 99 Watt jersey off of him.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year played in just three games this season before being sidelined by a second back surgery in two months at the end of September. Watt started his rehab in Wisconsin before returning to Houston in late November.